For the first time since Connecticut’s moderate Republican Congressmen Christopher Shays (now a U.S. Senate candidate) and Rob Simmons were swept out of office, Republicans see a chance to actually hold some seats in New England, including potential opportunities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“Any Republican revival in the Northeast is likely to be limited, just as the brief Democratic revival in the South in the 2006 and 2008 elections was,” the article said. “That said, both parties will take seats where they can, even if those gains are short-lived.”

In January, political site Daily Kos placed the district in the “Lean D” column, but wrote rather stronger rhetoric as reasoning. Here’s Daily Kos’ take on the race:
“Dems have a strong, well-funded candidate in CT House Speaker Chris Donovan. Money + D+2 seat + Presidential turnout in a blue state = Dem Hold.”

Election analyst The Cook Political Report, said the 5th was “likely Democratic” in its April 5 chart of predictions, though it offers the caveat that “likely” races “have the potential to become engaged.”

In March, The Rothenberg Political Report listed the 5th District as “Democrat Favored.”
A full year ago, six months after Chris Murphy announced his Senate candidacy, The Hill’s Ballot Box blog said Connecticut’s 5th district would “likely” remain so, though much has changed in the race since then, including the addition of several candidates.